Same-sex couples register marriage licenses in NC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A same-sex couple in North Carolina has registered their out-of-state marriage license with a county office, despite the state's ban on gay marriage.

Lisa and Cindy Bovee-Kemper were married in New York two years ago. They filed with the Buncombe County register of deeds on Tuesday. While their registration has no practical effect, they believe it was important to exist in in public records.

The couple signed up as part of the Campaign for Southern Equality's effort to bring attention to the state's gay marriage ban.

Last week, the Buncombe County register of deeds became one of the first officials in the South to take marriage license applications from same-sex couples. Drew Reisinger believes the state's ban is unconstitutional. State officials have said his office can't issue such licenses.